The New York Daily News, Mon Oct 7, 2002
Animal shelter chief told, 'Out!'
By LISA L. COLANGELO
DAILY NEWS CITY HALL BUREAU
The embattled head of the city's animal shelter system, Marilyn Haggerty-Blohm, was suddenly sent packing Friday, a week after she said that some animals have died because of budget cuts.
Marilyn Haggerty-Blohm, executive director of the Center for Animal Care and Control, was told last month that city officials were looking for a replacement for her. The Giuliani administration appointee also was told she could reapply for her $144,000-a-year job.
She was expected to stay in her post until a decision on her fate was made or a successor was found. But Haggerty-Blohm was asked to go on Friday, sources said.
She declined to comment through a spokeswoman yesterday.
Sandra Mullin, a spokeswoman for the city Health Department, said, "A mutual and amicable agreement was made to end her contract in 90 days. She plans to continue to be helpful to the CACC during the transition process."
It wasn't clear last night who is in charge of the care center, which contracts with the Health Department to handle animal control in the city.
Last month, the Daily News revealed some homeless animals were dying because city budget cuts shuttered shelters -- once open around the clock -- for 12 hours a day.
Haggerty-Blohm spoke about the budget problems and animal deaths publicly - and warned that shelter hours could be cut even further if the city didn't provide more funds. Mayor Bloomberg said there was no additional money for the shelters.
Supporters said Haggerty-Blohm was pushed out earlier than expected because she embarrassed the mayor. But animal advocates, who have tried to oust her for years, said she spoke out only when she was likely out of a job.